Art By Bijou

While browsing the Etsy shops the other day, I came across a beautiful display of personalized watercolor art at Art By Bijou. The owner's name is Kelsey Bable and she designs notecards, wedding invitations and she also draws and paints custom portraits. Everything in her shop can be personalized to your tastes. I was so impressed with her artwork, I was moved to ask Miss Bable for an interview. Here is what she had to say.

Interview:

Q. I love your artwork. How long have you been drawing? 

A: Thank you very much! I've been drawing since I was very little, I was always coloring and drawing with my dad.

Q. What inspired you to use watercolors?

A. Through my high school career I've grown to love watercolors. They're my favorite medium to work with because of their free-flowing quality. I like, sketchy, flowing art.

Q. Have you taken any art classes or are you self taught?

A.  I've always had my school art classes, but haven't had any other classes. I think high school really helped me develop as an artist.

Q. What was your inspiration for opening Art By Bijou?

A. Well, I love Etsy, and I had been selling cards locally and thought maybe people not so local might want some too!

Q.  In addition to note cards, I noticed you also paint custom portraits. What first interested you in sketching portraits?

A. When I was little, I always told my family I wanted to be the artist that sketched peoples' portraits in amusement parks. I've always loved drawing portraits.

Q. Do you have future plans on expanding your shop?

A. I'm attending college this coming fall as an Art Therapy student, and hopefully my etsy shop will continue through school. Once I graduate, I'd love to expand and have my own little store, or even design cards for a company.

Q. Please tell my readers more about your beautiful art and what they can discover at your shop.

A. At Art by Bijou, you will find personalized, one of a kind gifts for friends or for themselves! I take pride in creating and sharing my passion. All of my work is original, and hand drawn and painted.

Q.How did you decide on the name Art By Bijou?

A.  I named my shop Art by Bijou because my dad, Tony DiGirolamo, had a tattoo shop called Bijou Tattoo in Colorado. He passed away a little over a year and half ago, and even though the shop is closed now, I wanted to continue the Bijou name. My dad gave me the gift of drawing and creativity, and introduced me to art. It was something we always shared and now we'll always share Bijou too.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?

A. I'd just like to say thanks to you, for your interest in my shop, and to everyone on Etsy who has shown the same interest. I'm just a high school senior, but it makes me feel so good to be sharing my art with people all over. It especially feels good to continue my father's legacy.

Thank you, Kelsey for taking the time to interview with me. Art By Bijou is a delightfully beautiful Etsy shop,

Gracefully Yours,
Elle